Just recently, Alaska Airlines and American Airlines have started using iPad electronic flight bag (EFB) on its flights. In addition to being an EFB, with its injury reducing light weight + always updated manuals and charts, Delta iPad tablet will also be used to provide real time communications with pilot.

“We are going to pursue real-time security advisories, reroute information and electronic auto sign-in when [pilots] are in range of the airport or a specific gate. A tablet device sets the foundation for a paperless cockpit of course with flight plan and charter packet uploads, theatre guides and trans-oceanic step by step information, simplified NOTAMs, e-Checklists, and instant reporting access just to name a few opportunities. Essentially, we have only begun to identify the limitless possibilities, and there is no question that we see this as a potential to change the way we do business both immediately and long-term.”

What apps are on the Delta iPad? The Delta senior executive describes:

“We’re loading Jeppesen Mobile TC charting software, a GoodReader document viewer [$4.99] that contains all of our manuals in an electronic format, and the Journey browser [$1.99], which allows access to iCrew. A Delta Meteorology app [Internal?] provides access to pilot-tailored graphical weather information and real-time looped Delta radar. Each pilot will have access to their Delta e-mail account and calendar.

The tablets have also been loaded with a writing app for notes, an Atomic web browser [$0.99], a PDF viewer [OP: GoodReader does that], a Wi-Fi finder app [this free app?], and crew rest and cruise rest period calculators. Both Wi-Fi and 3G are available domestically.”